I like to hug, but I’m selective in that my hugs are reserved for loved ones and close long-time friends. I also try to be mindful not to encroach upon the personal space of others. If I see that you don’t respond well to a hug, I’ll be careful not to impose in the future.

However I’ll warn you in advance if we ever meet ladies, because I’m from Montréal, brace yourselves for one of our famous two-cheek kisses 😉

What’s your favorite ice-cream flavor?

We have a brand here Laura Secord, which is my favorite. I usually go for either their chocolate chip cookie dough or if that’s not available, then butter pecan.

Ben and Jerry’s is good too, and their plant is only a two hour drive just across the border from here.

Do you prefer exercising your mind or your body? How frequently do you do either?

I aim for a good balance of both but it’s not always easy with the busy lives we lead.

For my mind, I’m always reading. It’s rare that I don’t have at least two or three books on the go on a variety of subjects. Right now I’m working on Philip Roth’s American Pastoral, The Life of Johnny Cash by Robert Hilburn, and a book about Emotional Intelligence.

For my body, it’s a little more difficult this time of year but I try to play tennis once a week, and do a little stationary bike two or three times a week. The incentive is there at the moment because I have a few post-Holiday pounds to burn off.

Once the weather gets a little milder I’m planning to get out for some skating and cross-country skiing – two things I haven’t tried since my heart surgery a few years ago. I don’t tolerate the cold as well as I used to and anything below -15C is too cold for me. So far we’ve been below -20C for a good part of the month of January, so for now I’m sticking to indoor activities.

Are you more of a dog person or a cat person? Why?

No preference here. I think that if they’re prepared properly using the right recipe, both cat and dog can be equally delicious!

JUST KIDDING FOLKS😀 😀 😀

Please don’t send me angry messages…

Seriously though, even though I’ve never had one I think I’m more of a dog person. I’ve had cats when I was younger and I find them too aloof and independant for my taste. Kinda like teenagers. They live in your house for free, eat your food, and then ignore you and never do what you tell them to 🙂

Many of my friends have had dogs though, and from what I’ve seen even if it is more work, I find that dogs are much more affectionate and loyal.

Our long-term goal is to eventually have a dog but not until we’re a little older and know that we’ll be spending more time around the house. I just don’t think it’s fair to leave an animal alone in the house for long periods, and right now we’re just not home enough to be good dog owners.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

The touring company version of Jersey Boys was playing here last week. We’d booked tickets in advance and were able to take my Mom to the show. Everyone enjoyed and it’s nice to have little family outings from time to time.

We’re kinda stuck in a post-holiday, dog-days of Winter lull at the moment, so no special plans that I’m looking forward to for next week. I’m just trying to keep moving forward on my latest photo and writing projects, and maybe find a few more clients for my freelance copywriting and translation work.